TIRANA, Oct. 20 /ATA/ – Student protests in Tirana moved from the main boulevard outside the prime minister’s office to the Education Ministry on Tuesday, where clashes broke out again and police used water cannon and tear gas to disperse demonstrators.
After marching along Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard, the protesters headed to the ministry, which has been a focal point of clashes in recent days.
Unlike previous days, masked groups were not seen during the demonstration outside the prime minister’s office. Tensions flared again, however, outside the Education Ministry.
After several masked youths threw stones, police intervened with water cannon and tear gas to disperse the crowd of students and university lecturers.
Police repeatedly urged demonstrators to protest peacefully, warning that they would otherwise use water cannon and tear gas and make arrests. Officers also warned that they would take all necessary measures if protesters continued throwing stones.
After further stone-throwing, police responded several times with high-pressure water jets.
Protesters remained on Durrës Street, facing police and water cannon. As water cannon vehicles and rapid intervention forces advanced, demonstrators threw pyrotechnics.
Police then moved forward, dispersing protesters in several directions. The demonstrators left Durrës Street and headed towards the prime minister’s office.
Near the government building, they moved rubbish bins and other objects to form a barricade against police.
The youth-led protest entered its eighth day on Monday. Clashes in recent days have left both protesters and police officers injured, as well as minors, journalists and passers-by.
/m.q/j.p/r.e/u.sh/
